What should you know about cradle cap teenager?

Cradle cap is the childhood form of seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that can also cause flaky or greasy scale in older children and teenagers. However, scalp scale in this age group can also come from dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, contact irritation or a fungal infection. Clues such as intense itch, sharply defined plaques, hair breakage, patches of hair loss or scale on the face help a clinician narrow the possibilities.

Use a gentle shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Avoid scratching, picking crusts, tight hairstyles and fragranced scalp products until the cause is clearer. Keep a note of when the rash began, where it appears and whether a new shampoo, dye, helmet or styling product preceded it. A clinician may recommend an emollient for dry scale or topical antifungal treatment when the examination supports that choice.

Arrange medical advice for a rash that persists, rapidly spreads, becomes painful or produces discharge. Prompt assessment is particularly useful for broken hairs, patchy hair loss, swollen areas, pus, fever or marked tenderness, because these findings can point away from simple seborrheic scaling. Do not share medicated products with siblings without checking the label or asking a clinician.

Ask whether the rash is seborrheic dermatitis or another scalp condition, whether the hair follicles look affected, and which shampoo or medicine fits the diagnosis. Mention itching, hair changes and every product applied to the scalp.